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HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Enrollment is open for the 19th class of Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino’s Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week course designed to give residents a working knowledge of law enforcement policies and tactics.

The free academy uses a classroom-style format to demonstrate the types of equipment and tactics used by law enforcement in a wide range of areas — including motor vehicle stops, the Medical Examiner’s Office, gang violence awareness, homicide investigations, K-9 patrol and detection, criminal investigations and ballistics.

Bergen County residents 18 and older are eligible to participate.

“One of the most important components of law enforcement is fostering strong relationships with the community,” Saudino said. “Our Citizens Police Academy gives residents firsthand knowledge of the important work police do to enhance public safety and protect Bergen County residents.”

The class will also receive tours of the Bergen County Jail, the “old” county jail in the Bergen County Courthouse and the Medical Examiner’s Office.

A highlight, as always, is the sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Identification — the “CSI” of the county — which collects and processes evidence from crime scenes.

The number of participants has grown larger every year, which Saudino said is a testament to “community involvement and commitment to public safety.”

The academy begins on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Bergen County Jail.

Class meets once a week at various locations around the county and concludes with a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10.